EQUESTRIAN: Pearce included in British pony squad

Chelsea Pearce and Catherston Nutsafe at last year's European Championships (Picture by Helen Revington)

WILTSHIRE teenager Chelsea Pearce has been named in the final six-strong British squad for the defence of their titles at the 2014 FEI Pony European Championships at Millstreet, Ireland, later this month.

Pearce will ride either Little Indian Feather or Catherston Nutsafe at the event, with the final team of four to be confirmed at the championships from July 30 - August 3.

The 15 year old, the daughter of former England international footballer Stuart Pearce, won a pony section at the recent Barbury Horse Trials on Caterston Nutsafe.

The duo competed at last year's championships, finishing 15th and it would be Catherston Nutsafe's fifth appearance at a European Championship.

Little India Feather has also been on great form this season, winning the TCN1* at Salperton Park and finishing third at Barbury.

“I did have a scare when I couldn't complete the National Pony Championships at Brand Hall with either of the ponies – they had lost shoes on the cross country course and weren't feeling quite right. Fortunately Salperton and Barbury went well,” said Pearce.

“It's such a buzz to represent your country, I'm easily as excited as I was last year. I also learnt a lot last year and am definitely going to Ireland looking to bring home a medal.”

Meanwhile, Little Cheverell rider Carri Ann Dark has been named as a non-travelling reserve for the Endurance GB squad for the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, in Normandy, France next month.

The 23 year old and horse Kates Mate are on standby for the endurance competition, which takes place on August 27-28 in Sartilly.

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